Sturm Graz and Club Brugge both crashed to defeats in their UEFA Champions League opener so they will be desperate to bounce back with a win when they lock horns in Austria.
Our man Gabriel fancied Sturm Graz to take something from their clash with Brest in France but they crashed to a 2-1 defeat and ended the game with 10 men.
There was a hangover from that defeat when they lost 3-0 at home to Wolfsberger and drew 2-2 at Austria Vienna in their next two domestic games. But Christian Ilzer's men got back to winning ways with a victory over Blau Weiss Linz at the weekend so that was a timely morale boost.
Club Brugge were outclassed at home to Dortmund in their Euro opener, with the Germans easing to a 3-0 victory as a bet landed for our man Andy.
Like Sturm Graz, the reaction to that setback hasn't been good, with Club Brugge losing to Gent and drawing with Charleroi in the Belgian league.
So this is a big match for both sides as they bid to get their seasons back on track and climb up the Champions League standings.
How the bookies view it: Belgians just on top
This is a tricky one to call with both teams in poor form but Betano make Club Brugge slight favourites at 29/20. Sturm Graz are 13/8 for the win while a stalemate pays 13/5.
Head to head: On a first footing
These sides have never faced off in Europe before Club Brugge have taken on Austrian opposition nine times. Their record isn't too bad, with three wins, two draws and four defeats.
Players to watch: Mika gunning for glory
Former Arsenal kid Mika Biereth started up front for Sturm Graz in Brest and should get the nod again here after netting at the weekend. The Dane impressed in a loan stint at Motherwell and is 13/8 at Betano for anytime scorer.
Experienced midfielder Hans Vanaken is a regular scorer for Club Brugge and his goal at the weekend took this season's tally to three. He's 17/5 for anytime scorer at Betano which could be a little overpriced.
Probable line-ups
Defender Dimitri Lavalee is suspended for Sturm Graz after his red card in the loss against Brest. Gregory Wuthrich also went off injured early in that game and Scotland Under-21 star Max Johnston could deputise for him at right-back after starting at the weekend.
Club Brugge have a doubt over Bjorn Meijer but should be close to full strength.
Sturm Graz: Scherpen, Gazibegovic, Aiwu, Johnston, Geyrhofer, Horvat, Stankovic, Kiteishvili, Boving, Biereth, Jatta.
Club Brugge: Mignolet, Saiss, Ordonez, Mechele, Onyedika, Vetlesen, Vanaken, Skov Olsen, Tzolis, Nilsson.
Anything else catch the eye?
With both sides struggling for form this could be cagey to begin with and the half-time draw appeals at 6/5 with Betfred. Backing most goals to come after the break also pays a decent 21/20 with the same firm.
The card markets could be worth a look too, with both sides desperate for a win and picking up a few reds and yellows already this season. Over 5.5 cards pays 7/5 at Unibet who also have decent prices on certain players going in the book.
Brugge stopper Maxim De Cuyper, who has two yellows this term, is 23/5 to go in the book while Sturm Graz midfielder Jon Gorenc Stankovic is 18/5 to pick up a fourth card this term.
This UEFA Champions League match between Sturm Graz and Club Brugge will be played on Oct 2, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sturm Graz vs Club Brugge prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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